Online search trends point to key locations and features shaping housing demand
London, Manchester and Glasgow were the most searched-for places to live in 2025, according to new data from property listing platform Rightmove. Bristol and Edinburgh completed the top five, underlining the continued draw of major regional cities as well as the capital.
Within London, buyers focused their attention on Wimbledon, Fulham and Chiswick as the most searched locations on the Rightmove website this year. Rental searches told a different story, with Canary Wharf, Clapham and Fulham attracting the greatest interest among tenants.
Coastal locations also stood out. Bournemouth, Eastbourne and Worthing ranked as the three most searched-for seaside areas in 2025, reflecting continued demand for homes by the water.
For those looking outside the UK, Spain was the most searched-for overseas destination, followed by France and Dubai. Portugal and Italy were close behind, suggesting that interest in European and Middle Eastern lifestyle markets remains firm among UK-based home-hunters.
Read more: What are 2025’s top housing trends?
On property features, a garage was the most common requirement among buyers using Rightmove’s search tools this year. An annexe was the second most searched-for feature, with a garden in third place.
Tenant priorities differed from those of purchasers. For renters using the portal’s keyword sort function, “pet-friendly” was the top requirement, followed by a garage and then a furnished home.
These trends point brokers towards where demand is strongest and what buyers and renters prioritise. High searches in London, major cities and coastal areas signal where pipeline and remortgage opportunities may concentrate. Strong interest in garages, annexes, gardens and pet‑friendly rentals suggests clients may need higher borrowing or specific product features, supporting targeted marketing, tailored affordability discussions and focused relationships with local agents and developers.
“With billions of minutes spent on Rightmove each year, we have a unique window into the nation’s passion for property,” said Colleen Babcock (pictured right), property expert at Rightmove. “Our review of the year spotlights some of the most popular trends from the year.
“From coastal escapes to overseas dream homes, this year’s most popular locations show that whether it’s a move or a moment of inspiration, people continue to love picturing their next move.”
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